Current News

Following a fourteen year period of vacancy, Pioneer Environmental Associates, LLC, a Vermont-based consulting firm specializing in water resources planning and permitting work, has purchased the former Hannah’s Market building in Vergennes, VT. The purchase of the property has been facilitated by Ed and Bev Biello of Panton VT, who negotiated with the prior owners to sell the property and who maintained contact with the sellers throughout the process. Mr. Biello stated, “This deal is a very happy ending to a long period of neglect with this property.

Paul, Frank & Collins is pleased to announce Gail E. Haefner’s inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America. Ms. Haefner joins six of her colleagues,
John Sartore, Michael Frye, Alan Port, Crocker Bennett, Allan Paul and Peter
Collins, in this widely respected publication.
The Best Lawyers in America is based on an exhaustive peer-review
survey of other leading attorneys.
Ms. Haefner concentrates her practice on
Corporate Law, Commercial Law, and Intellectual Property Law. She received her B.A. from the University of

The Grafton Homestead, LLC, in Grafton, Vermont has recently expanded its space for guest accommodations, according to Manager Jennifer Karpin. Karpin reports that the Grafton Homestead, which opened in the Summer of 2001, has experienced sufficient bookings this year to
warrant the need for an additional guest room, called the Morning Glory room. “With a cheerful yet subtle morning glory theme, this room’s first floor location and private bath make it a good choice for our older guests or those who have difficulty climbing stairs,” says Karpin.

Lake Champlain Chocolates (LCC) has revamped their website, www.lakechamplainchocolates.com, focusing on e-commerce for consumers. The new site features over 80 gourmet chocolate products, ranging from boxes of truffles to Belgian chocolate bars, hot chocolate to dessert sauces. Consumers experience a streamlined shopping experience with unprecedented flexibility in navigating the site.

Throughout the busy foliage season those who serve
tourists are faced with last minute travelers looking for a place to stay.
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing launched a new tool in mid-September that will assist the tourism industry in connecting travelers and lodging properties. This simple, online system allows any lodging establishment in the state to post and update their current room availability throughout the day.

Merchants Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph L. Boutin today announced the appointment of Darcy L. Cunningham to the position of branch president of the bank’s Winooski office. Cunningham succeeds Darlene Cooper, who is preparing for a direct role in the Bank’s retail banking expansion plans. Cunningham will assume her duties as branch president on October 15, 2002, leading the branch staff that includes Customer Service Representatives Cindy Gilhooly, Kelley Kimball, Lisa Dudley, and Marina Kaye.

The federal government has renewed two grants that enable the Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC) to help disadvantaged Vermonters prepare for education beyond high school. The grants normally run for four years, but a perfect score on one of its applications qualified VSAC for a five-year grant. The awards are:
· $1.9 million over four years for the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) program, which serves adult students.
· $2.2 million over five years for the Talent Search program, which serves students in grades 6 through 12.

The Equinox Resort has announced the
appointment of Courtney Lowe as Director of Sales and Marketing. He comes to the Resort from the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville Virginia where he served in the same capacity. "We are fortunate to have attracted someone of Courtney's caliber." said Resort General Manager Gary Thulander. "His enthusiasm is infectious. Courtney's knowledge of the region, coupled with his marketing and sales acumen will help us take the Resort to the next level. It's all part of our quest to be the number one Resort in New England."

The Community Economic Development Program of Central Vermont Community Action Council is please to announce the opening of the new Vermont Women’s Business Center. Housed at Woodbury College, the center will provide business counseling services and technological assistance for women owned businesses or for women considering starting their own business.

Granite Hills Credit Union announced the expansion of its Community Charter to Orange County. Already open to anyone who lives or
works in Washington County, the Credit Union recently received approval from Vermont's Department of Banking and Insurance to offer its services to anyone who lives or works in Orange County.

Spencer Putnam has been named the new Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. Putnam was formerly the General Manager of Danforth Pewterers and Vice President of Operations at Vermont Teddy Bear Company.